Biden Visits Angola to Discuss Railway Project

President Joe Biden made a historical visit to Angola, his first to sub-Saharan Africa, amidst controversy over a recent pardon for his son, Hunter Biden. The trip, aimed at enhancing U.S. influence in the region, includes a focus on the Lobito Corridor railway project, which seeks to counter China's presence and support critical mineral supply chains. The visit was marked by large crowds welcoming Biden in Luanda, where he is set to meet with Angolan President João Lourenço and visit the National Slavery Museum. However, the backdrop of Angola's corruption issues, highlighted by its low ranking in the Corruption Perceptions Index, raises questions about the effectiveness of U.S. partnerships in the region. Biden's trip comes just weeks before Donald Trump takes office, underscoring the urgency of U.S. engagement in Africa. Critics have noted that Biden's visit may not fully alleviate perceptions of neglect towards the continent, which many feel has been sidelined by U.S. foreign policy.